Chapter 183

-Ava’s POV-

My eyes widened, and my entire body froze. It was as if the world itself had paused, holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. My heart pounded in my chest, loud and frantic, drowning out every other sound.

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Of all the things I could have let slip out of my mouth, it had to be that. The words hung in the air, echoing in my mind like a taunt I couldn’t escape. My lips parted, as though I might say something to fix it, but nothing came out. What could I say?

I just told him I loved him.

I knew it already, of course. I’d known for a while now. But saying it–saying it out loud–made it real in a way it hadn’t been before. It was as though my heart had spoken for me, betraying the secret I’d tried so hard to keep hidden.

And now, everything was different.

My chest tightened with uncertainty, and a thousand thoughts swirled in my mind, each more chaotic than the last. Did he feel the same? Would he ever feel the same? Or did I just ruin everything between us?

What was I supposed to do?

. happen?

Should I brush it off like it did

Laugh it away as a joke?

Should I take it back and lie, saying I didn’t mean it?

Or should I just admit it and let the chips fall where they may?

The silence stretched on, suffocating and unbearable.

And then, his voice shattered it.

“I would’ve waited for you to finish whatever discussion you’re having with yourself in your head,” he said, his tone light and teasing, “but I’m not sure you’re actually breathing anymore.”

His words jolted me back to reality. I sucked in a sharp breath, realizing that I hadn’t been breathing. My lungs burned, my chest heaving as I tried to steady myself.

I was terrified to look at him. Terrified of what I might see in his eyes. Would it be rejection? Confusion? Pity?

But when I finally dared to meet his gaze, I was met

He was smiling.

With something entirely unexpected.

My heart skipped a beat, the rhythm faltering as I tried to make sense of his reaction.

been working on, and he spoke again, his tone casual, almost amused. “I don’t know much about medicine, but I’m pretty sure a fresh wound like this shouldn’t be left open for too long. Something about microorganisms in the air or

me back into action. My hands, which had been hovering uselessly, remembered their task. I grabbed the gauze and antiseptic, trying to focus on the wound instead of

Jan 31 BB

Chapter 183

my mind wouldn’t stop

he so calm?

out like I was?

wasn’t he…

he smiling?

Why?

he said again, breaking through the storm of thoughts in

I snapped.

it, Grayson! Stop being so calm about this. You’re

are you freaking out in the first place?” he asked, tilting his head

down the gauze. “Because,” I began, my voice barely above a whisper, “I just said I

truth I couldn’t take back. My voice cracked as I continued, “And I didn’t mean to say it, but that doesn’t mean

some kind of reaction, but he just watched me, waiting for me

now I don’t know what to do!” I exclaimed, throwing my hands in the air. “I’m scared that you’re going to be mad, or that this will ruin everything between us, and then I’ll have no choice

voice trembling as tears welled up in my eyes. “And now I’m crying,

out, gentle but firm, tilting my chin up so I had no choice but to

then he kissed me.

kisses we’d shared before. This one was different. This

words never could. It was a promise. A silent acknowledgment of feelings he wasn’t ready to put

the

It was

ment, it

stopped again–but this

mirrored the unspoken words in the kiss. He didn’t have to say it. I

letting him know I understood, and he

realized had slipped down my cheek. His smile turned into a grin, his voice

Chapter 183

grumbled,

and warm, and I couldn’t help but smile despite myself. Shaking

stepped back and crossed my arms, looking at him

replied, his tone light, but there was a mischievous glint in his eyes that made me wary.

could take a single step, his hand shot out, grabbing my wrist and pulling me back

done yet,” he said, his voice low

my neck. A giggle escaped my

protested, laughing. “You’re injured, remember?”

side,” he murmured against my skin, his

sex after you just got shot,” I said firmly, though my resolve was quickly

my neck. I gasped, a soft moan escaping before

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